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Ayurvedic Insight
June 2007
In This Issue
- An Ayurvedic Approach to Prostate Health
- Ayurvedic Recipe: Buckwheat Pancakes
- Upcoming Events
An Ayurvedic Approach to Prostate Health
According to Ayurveda, men should think of the care of their reproductive system and sexual habits as a primary factor of good health. Ayurveda offers a holistic treatment plan to help men take an active role in the prevention of a prostate imbalance. Younger men have the opportunity to be proactive and care for their prostate so that problems do not develop later in life. Men who are currently experiencing prostate problems should check with their physician prior to including these simple measures as complementary to allopathic treatment.
Disturbances in the prostate can manifest with the following symptoms:
- waking to urinate during the night
- difficulty urinating: unable to start, or starting and stopping, a weak stream, dribbling at the end of urination
- urgency to urinate due to incomplete emptying of the bladder
Many men who experience prostate problems have a tridoshic imbalance, meaning all three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha, are provoked in the body. Vata dosha is responsible for the downward flow of energy, including the movement of the bowel and urination. Vata dosha naturally increases with age. This can cause digestion to become weak and irregular. An imbalance of pitta dosha usually manifests as prostatitis and can be accomanied by a burning sensation upon urination. An increase in kapha dosha leads to an enlarged prostate causing pressure on the bladder and in some cases blockages within the tissues.
Choices of diet and lifestyle practices have a direct effect on all tissues of the body including the reproductive system. Habits that are detrimental may take years to manifest as an imbalance within the body and while the results are not always immediate, maintaining a practical daily health regime will help to bring balance to the body and help to keep the prostate healthy throughout life.
Diet
It is necessary to strive for a regular diet of fresh, preferably organic foods to help balance the doshas within the body. Avoid foods that will create ama or impurities in the body such as frozen, leftover and processed foods. A diet that is moderate, balanced, light, warm and easy to digest will be the most beneficial in bringing the doshas back in balance. Making good food choices and strengthening digestion can help to nourish the body and facilitate the body's natural cleansing action.
- Limit salt, sugar, fat and junk foods.
- Minimize alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
- Choose fresh organic vegetables, fruits and grains.
- Allow at least three hours between meals to cultivate a strong appetite.
- Sip equal parts coriander, cumin and fennel tea to strengthen digestion and to help soothe any burning upon urination.
Lifestyle
It is important to adopt moderation in all things as a general lifestyle guideline. Try these helpful lifestyle tips to balance the prostate and overall health:
- Maintain a regular daily regime, sleeping, waking and eating meals at the same time each day.
- Avoid extremes. Do not eat anything too oily, too spicy, too hot or too cold, too dry.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water. This helps to flush toxins from the body and prevent concentration of urination.
- Getting regular exercise helps to clear the channels of the body and remove toxins.
- Do not engage in excessive sexual activity.
- Reduce time spent sitting for long periods, riding a bike on bumpy terrain and horseback riding. This type of activity can disrupt the downward flow of energy which is necessary for the reproductive organs to function properly.
- Do not suppress the urge to urinate. This irritates the bladder and puts pressure on the prostate.
Prostate massage:
Apply a small amount of organic sesame oil to the perineum, between the anus and the testicles. Gently rub in a circular motion, then several strokes from anus to the base of the penis. Massage can help to improve circulation to the tissues in this area, alleviate blockages, stimulate and balance the prostate.
The male reproductive system is connected energetically to the center of creativity. It may be very therapeutic to develop a form of creative expression in order to channel the energy in a healthful way. Not only is it an opportunity to explore an interesting side of yourself, but it will help prevent energy from getting blocked in this area.
Herbs
Men's Support is a rejuvenating formula for the male reproductive system. This nourishing blend helps maintain a healthy prostate and the uncongested flow of urine. It tones and strengthens the muscles while boosting stamina and energizing the system. Men's Support also contains aphrodisiac herbs that are traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote fertility and enhance sexual performance. This formula:
- rejuvenates and strengthens the male reproductive system
- maintains proper prostate size and function
- supports healthy libido
- maintains potency and stamina
It is very important to maintain a clean, healthy colon to prevent the prostate from exposure to toxins and waste. Triphala tea or tablets should be taken one half hour before bed. This herbal panacea has a mild laxative effect along with supporting elimination, detoxification, and tonification of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Yoga
Men will benefit greatly by the practice of Ashwini Mudra. It is the practice of pulling the anus inward in a series of rapid contractions, tense and release. This should be practiced for 10 reps. morning and evening. This exercise takes just a few minutes each day and helps to increase circulation in the prostate gland and also raise sexual and creative energies that may be blocked.
Locust pose (Salabhasana) and Reclining Hero pose (Supta Virasana) help to tone the male reproductive system including the prostate.
"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."
-Lao Tzu
Ayurvedic Recipe: Buckwheat Pancakes
1 c. buckwheat flour
1 c. oat bran
3/4 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. sea salt
3 c. buttermilk (preferably fresh)
1 egg
2 T. sunflower oil
Mix all dry ingredients well in a bowl. In another bowl, beat egg and beat in buttermilk and oil. Add liquid mixture to dry mixture, stirring only enough to mix together. A few lumps are fine. Pour onto hot, oiled, evenly heated griddle or skillet. Turn over when bubbles appear on edges and underside is light brown.
Comments: Serve hot with honey, maple syrup, blueberry sauce or applesauce. Light and very good.
Recipe reprinted with permission from The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar, Lotus Press, P.O. Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181.(c)1995 All Rights Reserved.
Upcoming Events
- Donna DeLory & Girish in concert June 8, 8pm at Rudramandir in Berkeley, CA. For more information email Tickets@Rudramandir.com or call 510.496.6047.
- Yoga of Recovery Retreat, combining Ayurveda and yoga with 12-step recovery tools, June 24-30, 2007 in Val Morin, Quebec, Canada and July 8-13, 2007 in the Catskills, NY. For more information please visit http://www.yogaofrecovery.com/
The information provided in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, but only to apprise the reader of basic Ayurvedic lifestyle information. The advice of a qualified health professional is recommended before making changes in diet or exercise routines.
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